I am honored to participate in the 2019 Students of the Year program, a seven-week initiative in which select high school students from around the country participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Recently, I have been personally moved and blessed by a great mom and friend, Elizabeth Keane, who passed away from breast cancer on December 14th, 2018 . Mrs. Keane really brought a breath of fresh air with her smile, positive attitude, and deep faith. Mrs. Keane was the life of the party even in her toughest times. It is Elizabeth's story that inspires me and others to continue the battle to find a cure.

Furthermore, I am proud to be raising critical dollars in support of five-year old Poppy Sellier, daughter of my Heights School teacher/coach, Joel Sellier.  Poppy, a sweet, outgoing kindergartner who lights up a room with her beautiful smile, was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and is now undergoing chemotherapy.  It is for patients like Poppy, and their families, that I have joined the fight to find cures for blood cancers and why I ask for your financial support. Most importantly, I ask that you keep Poppy and her family in your prayers. 

With this in mind, I will also be fundraising in honor of my classmate and LLS student of the Year teammate, Gabo Paz, who freshman year of high shcool was diagnosed with a type of soft tissue cancer.  After enduring ten brutal months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, Gabo thankfully is now in remission.

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. They'll not only support LLS-funded research but will help provide critical information and support for patients, and support advocacy for laws to ensure patients can access the care and treatments they need.

Please visit our website often and bring friends who would also like to donate!

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!

For more information about LLS, please visit www.lls.org.